Match Report NMJFC U15s - Hollingworth FC vs NMJ U15s – Remembrance Day Cup Thriller Ends in Drama - 09/11/25

On this Remembrance weekend, both teams stood side by side before kick-off, heads bowed in perfect silence to honour those who gave their today for our tomorrow. It was a moving moment of respect — a pause before an afternoon of football that would test skill, spirit and character.

There was a brief delay before kick-off as the padlock code at Hollingworth FC refused to cooperate, but once solved, both sides were keen to get underway. From the first whistle, it was clear both teams wanted to play a passing game, moving the ball neatly and looking to attack.

It was NMJ who struck first. Toby, lively down the left, drove into the box and was brought down. The referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped Nat, who calmly dispatched the penalty with real composure — 1–0 NMJ.

Hollingworth hit back strongly, equalising with a fine strike from outside the area that left Cary helpless. But NMJ weren’t done. Another surging run from Nat and a teasing cross forced an own goal to restore the lead. 2–1 at half-time.

The second half saw Hollingworth rally. Their pressure told, and they turned the game around to lead 3–2 midway through the half. But NMJ’s heads never dropped. With time running out, the coaching team pushed centre-back Finn up front in search of an equaliser — and it paid off instantly.

Toby, again tormenting defenders, weaved his way down the flank and sent a perfect cross into the box. Finn, finding acres of space, took a touch and finished coolly to make it 3–3. The NMJ supporters erupted.

No extra time — straight to penalties. The tension was electric.

*Hollingworth** scored first.

*Cary** coolly slotted NMJ’s first.

*Hollingworth** converted their second.

*Bogdan**’s effort had just enough power to creep through the keeper — 2–2.

*Cary** then produced a brilliant save to stop Hollingworth’s third.

*Misha** stepped up and saw his shot squirm under the keeper — advantage NMJ.

Hollingworth’s fourth was met by another superb diving save from *Cary**, down to his right.

That left Toby with the chance to win it. He strode up with purpose, placed the ball carefully, and — well, if a picture paints a thousand words, the video tells the rest.

Whatever the outcome, this was a match that showcased courage, commitment and camaraderie — the very qualities we remember on this weekend each year.

🏅 Players of the Match: Cary – for his two penalty saves and calm leadership under pressure; Toby – for his tireless running, creativity and being a constant threat....not to mention the SPOILER ALERT winning penalty!

⚽️🖤💛⚽️

#upthemillers